Jazz in the Gardens 2026 Celebrates Black Music
Ludacris, Ashanti and Nelly headline a weekend blending hip-hop nostalgia with modern R&B energy in Miami Gardens
According to 24HipHop, Jazz in the Gardens returned to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with another powerful showcase of Black music across generations. The annual festival once again drew thousands of fans for a two-day celebration that blended legendary performers with contemporary hitmakers, highlighting the cultural reach of hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and jazz.
The Performances
The festival began with a smooth introduction from violinist Damien Escobar, whose genre-blending set reimagined classic R&B songs through live instrumentation. His performance set a soulful tone before the evening shifted toward romantic energy when Joe took the stage.
The veteran R&B singer delivered a polished performance featuring hits like “If I Was Your Man,” “More & More,” and “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” Fans throughout Hard Rock Stadium sang along, turning the set into one of the night’s first major crowd moments.
Later, DJ D-Nice curated a nostalgic R&B segment featuring appearances from SWV, Donell Jones, Case, and Sunshine Anderson. Each artist performed the songs that helped define the late-90s and early-2000s era of R&B, creating a wave of nostalgia across the audience.
Modern Voices Meet Legacy Artists
The festival also highlighted newer voices in the culture.
Mýa delivered a graceful performance featuring classics like “Case of the Ex” and “Best of Me,” reminding fans of her lasting impact on the genre.
Meanwhile, Ella Mai captivated the crowd with smooth vocals on songs including “Boo’d Up,” “Trip,” and “Shot Clock.”
Memphis rapper GloRilla brought a completely different energy to the festival. Her high-energy performance included fan favorites like “Yeah Glo!” and “F.N.F.” The excitement intensified when Sexyy Red made a surprise appearance, creating one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.
Closing the first night, Jhené Aiko delivered a serene and visually stunning performance backed by live musicians.
Her set created a calm, almost spiritual atmosphere that contrasted beautifully with the night’s earlier high-energy performances.
Legacy Takes Center Stage
Sunday’s performances leaned heavily into musical legacy.
Legendary vocalist Stephanie Mills delivered timeless classics including “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” while The Isley Brothers, led by Ron Isley, reminded audiences why their catalog remains foundational to American music. Guitarist Ernie Isley stunned the crowd with a soaring solo during “Summer Breeze.”
The nostalgia continued with back-to-back performances from Ashanti and Nelly, whose early-2000s hits remain staples in hip-hop and R&B culture.
The Grand Finale
Closing the festival, Ludacris celebrated more than 25 years in the music industry with a career-spanning performance.
PHOTO CREDIT: AJ SHORTER
The Atlanta rapper ran through classics including “Stand Up,” “Area Codes,” and “Move B***,” while welcoming surprise guests including Trina, Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled, Chingy, Shawnna, and CeeLo Green.
By the time the lights dimmed on Hard Rock Stadium, Jazz in the Gardens had once again proven why it remains one of the most respected music festivals celebrating Black culture and musical excellence.
